The Bible Period by Period | Page 4

get the people to read and to know
the Holy Scripture. Dr. Tidwell's book will greatly help in such effort.
First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

* * * * *
Chapter I.
From The Creation to The Fall.
Gen. Chs. 1-3
Problems Solved. This simple narrative solves some of the great
problems about which philosophers have speculated and before which
scientists have stood baffled. Every child of the human race has asked,
"What is the origin of the material world, what is the origin of life, and

what is the origin of sin?" In general the philosophers held (and most of
what science says concerning these matters is not science but
speculative philosophy) that matter was eternal and simply asked how
it came to its present state. One group, the materialists, held that an
active principle inherent in the matter working through long ages,
brought about the present state of things. Another group, the pantheists,
held that every thing emanated from a common divine substance,
working everywhere in nature. But this brief story lets at rest all this
inquiry. It informs us that matter was not eternal nor did it come into
existence by chance, but it was created out of nothing by our eternal
God. The story incidentally sets forth the majesty and glory of God and
man's dependence upon and his obligation to God. It also explains the
origin of sin and of all man's ills and death.
Creation of Man. The Story of the preparation of a residence for man is
told in five brief paragraphs. For concision, picturesqueness and
concreteness, this narrative is not excelled in all literature. It shows
how God acting as a creating Spirit through six successive periods of
light and darkness prepared the world and put man in it. In the matter
of the creation of man the presence and activity of Jehovah is especially
emphasized. He shaped the body out of the dust of the earth and
breathed into the nostrils of that human form that which made him
become a living soul. It was the breath of God that gave life to man and
hence he will return again to dust when that breath is withdrawn.
Concerning the creation of woman it is better to admit that her creation
was supernatural just as was man's. Her creation was to provide for
man a helpful companionship so that his development and happiness
might be complete. Her creation out of a part of man's body and to
meet an inborn need provides the eternal grounds of marriage and the
basis upon which they are in marriage to become one flesh and by
reason of which man must "love his wife as his own flesh." Man is
created in the image of God and like the Creator has intelligence and
will and is given authority to rule over the earth.
Man's Home and Occupation. No sooner was man created than was
planted in the far distant east a garden that should be to him a home and
provide therein for his physical and spiritual needs. Where that garden

was located is not known with certainty. Occupation was, however,
provided so that he might exercise and develop each part of his nature.
He exercised his mind in naming the animals and in some way the tree
of good and evil was destined to be for his blessing. His soul had
fellowship with Eve his helpmate and God his creator. This garden also
had in it a life-giving tree that gave them the possibility of enjoying an
endless life should they remain near it and continue to eat its fruit.
The Temptation. The study proceeds on the basis that there was already
a race of fallen beings in the universe. Satan was the chief of these and
had the mysterious power of tempting others to follow him. He
assumed the form of a serpent-a creature least likely to be suspected
and thereby deceived Eve the weaker. The temptation had several
elements: (1) The talking serpent was to her in the nature of a miracle;
(2) Eve had not heard the command of God herself (it was given before
her creation) but had learned it from Adam. The devil therefore raised a
doubt as to whether God really forbade it; (3) The question implies a
doubt concerning the goodness and wisdom of God; (4) It appeals to
the lust of flesh, to the pride of the eye and to the pride of life. It was
beautiful, good for food, and to make her wise even like God; (5) In
this appeal to curiosity there is an implied dare; (6) She was told that
she had a mistaken idea of the penalty-that she should "not surely die."
In all this it will be noted that the temptation was